And So It Begins...

Happy Summer!

​Mid last week, Joseph and I took off to the Gulf coast for the day. Fishing reports indicated it was a good day to catch dinner. The weather was warm, not scorching, and partly cloudy, so the sun felt a little less harsh than usual. Moreover, being midweek with an iffy forecast, the beaches weren't crowded, although far from empty. For the past several years, I've usually packed a vegetarian lunch for the beach. It's just easier. But that day, we both wanted sandwiches--my first since well before Lent this year. They were delicious!

Prior to our wee getaway, I'd been a bit down. I'd eagerly looked forward to a few trips this summer, especially one with our kids to visit dear family in Lebanon. But we have lots of odds and ends to tie up, and Joseph has a lot of work, especially now as he looks towards retirement. So leaving town at all, much less the country, is most likely a no-go this summer.

Instead, I get to spend time in our comfy home, with our lovely garden, with dear family and friends mostly nearby, all summer. I'll write, study, play, and probably enjoy a few days in Houston's museum district. I definitely expect to spend many days at the coast with my best friend (hubby). We'll work out and feel great and get stuff done. And I'll relish time with our little grands whenever they're in town.

I have to say--because this is important--that I will continue my quest to be a better person, a better servant of God--grateful, loving, unselfish. It seems I have quite of bit of work left to do in that regard.

And Joseph and I will pray to stay healthy and strong so that we can continue to be with our loved ones and share a happy retirement together. 

Disappointment is natural and cannot always be helped. But sulking can certainly be curtailed, especially when there is so much going right and so much to look forward to. No one needs me to point out that there's a lot of trouble in this world. Quiet mornings, peaceful evenings, good health, and people we love--and who love us--are blessings beyond compare.

We didn't catch many fish at the first location, but I managed a splendid nap. And early evening, we moved to the jetties, where Joseph caught dinner and then some.  Not a whole lot, but enough. We actually ate fresh fish at 11:15 that night. Yum. Thank God for the catch, for the day, for my spouse.

Thank God for the people I love and the life and hope He has given us. 

May a rush of joy and gratitude fill you. May love warm your heart and brighten your days.

I'll write again soon. Here's to a great Summer 2025!